A day to remember the promise of peace

Friday

Dec 7, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Dec. 7, 1941 — “ ... a date which will live in infamy.”

There are many significant dates in United States history. Some are celebrated with great fanfare, such as the Fourth of July. Others are marked in more quiet reflection and solemn remembrance. Today is one such day.

In the early morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941, more than 350 Japanese fighter planes dropped bombs and torpedoes on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On that day 2,402 Americans died. It was the most horrific and costly attack on United States soil until the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

As the history books have recorded, the United States went on to defeat Japan after Pearl Harbor, but at great cost in lives and dollars.

In all, World War II claimed more than 400,000 American lives with wars on two fronts — the Pacific and in Europe. Worldwide, it is believed more than 60 million died, 2.5 percent of the planet's population at the time. For the United States, one estimate for the war places the cost at $4.1 billion in modern-day dollars.

Today ceremonies will be held across the nation, including some in the Seacoast. In Rochester a rifle volley will be fired and taps played. In South Berwick, prayers will be shared. The point of all this will be to honor those who died on Dec. 7, 1941, and in the years that followed, until Japan and Germany surrendered in 1945.

The challenge of today, however, is to remind the nation that war is only a last resort. But that when war is declared, the United States and its people must be willing to go all in.

In declaring war on Japan, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called Dec. 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.”

In what has become known as his “infamy speech,” President Roosevelt made clear the resolve of this nation.

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” Roosevelt told Congress and the nation. “I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.”

Unfortunately, treachery did again raise its ugly head on Sept. 11, 2001 — something that should give us extra pause as we remember the events of Dec. 7, 1941.

That pause should lead us all to think of peace, of ways to keep and maintain it. Today's ceremonies should also reminder us all of how carefully a call to arms should be considered, but once made, followed through.

As tragic as Pearl Harbor was, our response as a nation — both immediate and long-term — kept U.S. soil safe for nigh on 60-plus years. In remembering the sacrifices made to accomplish this, we also offer a prayer today for those who wage today's war against the enemies of freedom and the United States of America.

May their sacrifices never be forgotten and may the reward for their efforts be a long-lasting peace enjoyed for many generations to come.